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Internship Name: Summer Camp Education Intern (4 positions available)

Internship Department: Education – Youth and Community Programs

Objective: The Nature Museum’s Summer Camps connect children to the wonders of nature through a unique combination of art, music, movement, hands-on science activities, and live animal encounters. These two-week (half and full-day) camps provide children, ages 4 to 10 years old, with an opportunity to learn more about the critters and habitats that are found in and around the Museum. The intern will develop and lead art, music/movement, science, and recreational activities for a specific age group as related to each camp’s nature theme. (For detailed description of the Museum’s Summer Camps please visit naturemuseum.org.)

Responsibilities: Work cooperatively with the Camp Director, Camp Artist-in-Residence, Site Leader, and fellow Camp Interns to research, create and implement curriculum for each camp. Intern will use the Museum’s resources to write and implement curriculum and will also be responsible for creating and/or gathering all supplies needed for the activities within a given budget. Responsibilities will also include the facilitation of camp activities during camp sessions and the supervision of up to twenty campers with the help of a fellow Camp Intern and Camp Counselors.

Final Product(s): An outlined and detailed curriculum of eight to ten activities that will be implemented during the camp sessions.

Qualifications: Undergraduate/graduate level student studying Education or a related field, with an interest in conveying science, art, and music/movement knowledge to children in creative and engaging ways. A rudimentary understanding of child development theories, learning-styles and teaching techniques a plus, but not necessary as an overview of these will be part of the intern’s training. Knowledge and interest in science and nature is a plus, but any necessary research materials will be provided. Applicant must possess research skills, including ability to use libraries, the Internet, and other materials for research, and to think creatively about potential curriculum sources. Applicant must have organizational skills and an aptitude for organizing information in a simple, usable, and amendable fashion. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Past experience working with and/or teaching children ages 4 to 10 years old is preferred. Current First Aid/CPR certification is plus, but not required as a weekend certification class will be offered.

Minimum GPA: 3.0

Desired year in school: 2nd Year and Above

Paid/Unpaid: Paid, $10/hour

Desired majors: Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Performing or Studio Arts, Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Conservation, or related field.

Time Commitment: Approximately twelve weeks, 40 hours per week, May 31 to August 17.

Learning Potential: The interns will work directly with experienced museum educators and a trained actor/musician who will expand their knowledge about the field and provide guidance for professional development. Interns in this position will gain significant understanding of and experience in the field of museum education, early childhood education, and program development. Learning will be very hands-on. Interns in this position will be able to develop their skills both as a curriculum developer and a teacher. Interns will have the opportunity to gain knowledge about projects and functions of other teams within the Education Department. Education activities open to interns and staff will also provide additional learning opportunities.

How to apply: Download internship application at www.naturemuseum.org. Send completed application with resume, cover letter, and one letter of recommendation to:

Jill Doub, Manager of Volunteers and Interns
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 N Cannon Dr.
Chicago, IL 60614

Please contact Jill Doub with any questions about this internship at jill.doub@naturemuseum.org or 773-755-5142.